Introduction
A critical key element in surf fishing is the ability to cast effectively and distance is the only consideration. Sometimes, especially where fish are not far from the shore, accurate casting is more important than distance. However, most successful surf fishermen master both accuracy and distance. Experience in reading wind, current and wave action will dramatically improve an angler’s probability to catch fish in the surf, but with a little instruction and practice, even beginning fishermen can have enough skill to enjoy surf fishing.
There are two basic techniques of casting used by surf fishermen: the straight off the ground cast and the pendulum cast. Many experienced surf fishermen recommend that beginners start with the straight off the ground cast, moving to the pendulum cast as they become more experienced and comfortable.In this installment I will describe the straight off the ground casting.
Beginners Luck
Another expert’s recommendation is that beginners limit their surf fishing trips to calm days on a beach with known populations of fish. They also encourage newcomers to practice casting technique, even on ground, before making attempts to catch fish. This step helps a beginner become more comfortable with the act of casting without the pressure of trying to land a fish. Beginners should keep in mind that it is not necessary to start with long casts as fish can often be found relatively close to shore.
Positioning: First casts should be made with the straight off the ground technique. To cast straight off the ground, the beginner should draw an imaginary line in the sand pointing straight to the water. Then the beginner should draw a second line, between himself and the original line, in the sand running back and away from the first line at about a 45-degree angle. The feet are positioned about parallel to this second line, so the body is turned about a quarter of a turn from the original line and with the back toward the water.
Casting: from this position, the sinker is laid on the ground on the same line on which the rod tip is held. The beginner looks toward the line to which you want the sinker to travel. With both hands on the rod, the rod is then pulled forward as if it were a spear. The left arm is pulled down while at the same time the right hand is pulled forward in a motion similar to a punching motion. This motion continues past the body. It is not required to overpower the cast. With proper execution of this technique and a little practice, a beginner should be able to cast up to 80 meters without much effort. Some practice may be required to become comfortable with applying light pressure to a revolving reel and backlash experiences may be expected early on. 
Intermediate Casting
Most intermediate skill level surf fishermen will utilize the straight off the ground casting technique. However, there are some skills that can be added to increase the distance and accuracy of the cast. While beginning casters use very little body motion when casting, intermediate level casters may add body rotation and, in general, they are more fluid in their motion and are more conscious of their follow through.
Intermediate casters follow the same initial steps for setting up that beginners do however, they are able to add shoulder rotation and weight transfer to both increasing the length of the casting motion and increasing the amount of power transferred. This motion begins at the initial setup and continues as the shoulders rotate toward the target throughout the motion. Weight shifts first to the back foot and then to the forward foot. The casting motion becomes more fluid and consistent. The follow through is held with the tip aimed more directly toward the sea, rather than toward the sky or the sand for many beginners, which allows better line flight. With these simple improvements, casting distance can easily be increased to around 120 meters.
In my next surf casting techniques installment, I will elaborate on the Pendulum Cast which, when done with dexterity, can easily reach the distance of 200 meters and beyond. As rule of caution always make sure there is no one in the area where the sinker might go in case the line breaks.
